HKU receives recognition with nearly 600 scholars named in Stanford’s 2026 Top 2% Scientists List

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) continues to demonstrate its research excellence, securing a prominent position in Stanford University’s latest 2026 Top 2% Scientists list with a total of 597 scholars recognised. HKU has 502 and 406 scholars named in the “single-year impact” and “career-long impact” categories respectively, representing the highest number among all local universities. Specifically, 49 HKU scholars are ranked within the top 100 worldwide for their single-year impact, and another 49 have achieved global top 100 recognition for their career-long influence.

According to Stanford University’s latest 2026 Top 2% Scientists rankings for a single recent year, Professor Bing Zhang, Global STEM Scholar, Chair of Astrophysics, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, is ranked 4th globally in Astronomy & Astrophysics; Professor Guochun Zhao, Mok Sau-King Professor, Chair of Earth Sciences, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science, is ranked 6th globally in Geochemistry and Geophysics; and Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development), Chair of Global Sustainability, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences and Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, is ranked 9th globally in Geological and Geomatics Engineering.

Furthermore, in the global career-long impact rankings, Professor Guochun Zhao is ranked 6th overall in his field. Other leading scholars include Professor Hongjie Dai,  Sapientia Eminence Professor and Chair of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, ranked 9th in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; and Professor Fan, Sheung Tat, Emeritus Professor and Honorary Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, ranked 10th in Surgery.

Stanford’s list of the Top 2% Scientists is compiled into two categories: one based on career-long impact, and the other on recent research influence. The ranking aims to recognise both lifelong scholarly achievement and current research excellence.